PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday pitched for unity anew as he urged Filipinos to pray for those who are in deep distress caused by hunger, natural calamities, and “unfavorable circumstances.”
The President, in his message on the observance of the start of Ramadan, reminded everyone of their “shared moral obligation, regardless of faith, to compassionately take care of each other, uphold our human dignity, and stand in solidarity.”
“This season of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving is an opportune time to embody the values of discipline, reverence, and humility. The spiritual belief that the gate of Heaven is open during this sacred month calls upon our brothers and sisters to purify their souls against the perils of worldly pleasures as well as seek for forgiveness and peace,” he said.
He said that as the Muslim community observes fasting, prayer and reflection, he asked Filipinos to include in their prayers “those who are in deep distress caused by hunger, natural calamities, and unfavorable circumstances.”
He said Filipinos, with their nation “enriched with cultural diversity,” must allow their hearts “to embrace the profound truth that respect conquers division, understanding obliterates prejudice, and love prevails over all.”
Ramadan is observed during the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and is celebrated as a period of fasting and spiritual growth.
It is one of the five “pillars of Islam” with the others being the declaration of faith, daily prayer, alms-giving and the pilgrimage to Mecca.
Some 1.7 million Muslims worldwide observe Ramadan.
